WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approved nearly $2 million in national emergency assistance for former Missouri automotive workers at Chrysler, Integram St. Louis Seating, and Yushin USA.

“This new is critical for former auto workers in Missouri, particularly as these families and families across the country are facing higher energy, food, and housing costs,” said Bond. “These federal funds will provide Missouri’s auto workers with much needed relief and help them find new opportunities.”

The DOL will release an initial $958,608 to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development and has approved up to $1,730,321 for “wrap-around” services. Wrap-around services provide help to distressed families and individuals. Wrap-around services include career counseling, skills assessment, employment planning, and job placement assistance. The approved $1,730,321 in federal funds will be released by the DOL to the Missouri state government, which will fund the project operation.

Bond noted that workers affected by the Chrysler, Integram St. Louis Seating, and Yushin USA layoffs will have access to the full array of “wrap around” services not funded under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. TAA is a federal cost-sharing program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce that provides financial assistance to the manufacturing industry. TAA specifically provides assistance to manufacturers affected by competition overseas and pays for half the cost of industry consultants to improve a manufacturer’s competitiveness.

Workers eligible for the national emergency assistance include auto workers affected by layoffs at Chrysler LLC located in Fenton, Integram St. Louis Seating located in Pacific, and Yushin USA, Ltd. located in Kirksville.